The pope told Abbot that the solution to problems in the Middle East "cannot purely be a military one."

"(It) must also focus on those who in one way or another encourage terrorist groups through political support, the illegal oil trade or the provision of arms and technology. There is also a need for education and a heightened awareness that religion may not be exploited as a means of justifying violence," the pope said.

In the letter, the pope asked the leaders of the world's 20 largest economies "not to forget that many lives are at stake behind these political and technical discussions."

Pope Francis also appealed for support of victims of persecution and conflicts, especially refugees.

"These conflicts leave deep scars and result in unbearable humanitarian situations around the world. I take this opportunity to ask the G20 Member States to be examples of generosity and solidarity in meeting the many needs of the victims of these conflicts, and especially of refugees," the pope said.

The pope urged the G20 member states from allowing financial institutions to exploit a "mentality that maximization of profits is the final criterion of economic activity."

"I am referring specifically to abuses in the financial system such as those transactions that led to the 2008 crisis."

"A mindset in which individuals are ultimately discarded will never achieve peace or justice," he said.

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